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Bear mauls Rhode Island man in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska A Rhode Island man was mauled by a grizzly bear during a guided hunt in the Alaska wilderness, Alaska State Troopers said Tuesday.

John Matson, whose hometown in Rhode Island wasn't immediately available, did not appear to have life-threatening injuries, troopers said.

Troopers were informed of the mauling late Monday evening about 50 miles west of the interior Alaska community of McGrath, which is about 225 miles northwest of Anchorage.

The attack happened after Matson shot a grizzly during the guided hunt, troopers said in a web posting. The bear ran off after being shot.

Matson went to search for the bear, and while he was in high brush, the bear attacked him. Troopers say the bear was shot several more times before it took off.

Matson, who is believed to be in his mid-40s, received injuries to his head and body, troopers said.

Weather prevented troopers from getting to the scene after the mauling. Other hunters in Matson's party controlled the bleeding and cared for him until a helicopter dispatched from the state's Rescue Coordination Center was able to reach them Tuesday.

Matson was initially taken to McGrath, and then put on a medical transport flight to Anchorage.